We just got back from Cabarete on the North Coast. Great little town, safe and very friendly people. The best, relatively cheap food--restaurants all along the beach--probably 40 to chose from in the town and on the beach and each is better than the last. We did excursions through the resort to the other beaches, the mountains, the water falls, the caves. Tons of things to do in the area and it is not all commercialized like the Punta Cana area. All kinds of little shops in the town too. You can go all inclusive or stay at the Windsurf and go to the wonderful restaurants on the beach. Also, kiteboarding, sailing, windsurfing right there on the huge pretty beach! Not the white sand beaches of the south shore but beautiful clear turquoise water and a wonderful area!!!! Highly recommend it. We will return within the year!